The Federal Government on Friday donated 1,000 life jackets to Kwara residents to help prevent deaths from frequent boat mishaps in the state.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Adetola, who was represented by the Director of Maritime Services, Dr Mercy Ilori, made the donation in Ilorin, stressing that such tragedies are avoidable when safety rules are followed.
He urged residents to wear life jackets during inland water travel and revealed that an additional 2,500 jackets would be delivered soon to boost safety on waterways.
According to the minister, boat mishaps remain a recurring problem but an avoidable tragedy in many parts of the country.
He noted that many had died in the accidents due to poor safety practices, especially the failure to wear life jackets.
He urged all boat and ferry operators to make safety a priority, adding that wearing a life jacket was a responsibility that must be ensured.
“The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is taking practical steps to prevent such losses and ensure that every journey by water is a safe one by using these three core pillars
“Strict enforcement of the Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations 2023. Sustained public education and sensitisation on safety.
“And provision of life-saving gear, particularly life jackets to waterway users across the country,” the minister said.
In his remarks, Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq lauded President Bola Tinubu for his efforts on ensuring safety for the water transport and for donating 1000 life jackets to Kwara.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Mamman Jibril, the governor said the gesture was part of the federal government’s efforts to promote safe water travels across riverine communities in Nigeria.
He said the items would be distributed across riverine communities in Patigi, Edu, Baruten, Kaiama, and Moro local governments.
AbdulRazaq implored the benefiting communities and boat operators to ensure that passengers use the jackets regularly.
“We should not keep the jacket at home; we must use it because if we use it, the ministry will be happy with Kwara.
“Let me re-emphasise that we should not keep it at home but use it for our safety,” the governor said.
While thanking Mr President for providing the life jackets, the governor appreciated the ministry for putting in its best to forestall the loss of lives and properties to boat mishaps.
Also, the state Commissioner for Transport, Mr Aliyu Sabi, said the event underscored the commitment of President Tinubu and Gov. AbdulRazaq to protecting the lives of the citizens.
“As we all know, life jackets are not just pieces of equipment; they are life-saving devices that can make the difference between life and death,” Sabi said.
